Gospel Legend Meets Bluesman

Thu., Aug. 13, 1998

William Berry Correspondent

The Festival at Sandpoint continues its incredible variety of concerts Friday with some blues like you’ve never heard before — unless you’ve already heard Mavis Staples team up with the Duke Robillard Band.

Yes, Mavis Staples. Can you say legend? Staples grew up on gospel in the most popular family group, the Staple Singers, that gospel music has known. Father Roebuck “Pops” Staples played guitar and led Mavis and her siblings, Pervis, Cleo and Yvonne. The group had hits in gospel and on the “other side,” too.

There is a fine line between gospel and the blues, and Staples and her family were comfortable on both sides of the line. Ever since her lead vocals on the 1956 recording of “Uncloudy Day,” her voice has set the standard and inspired generations of gospel singers, up through the contemporary sounds of Amy Grant.

“The Voice,” as one of her CDs with The Artist Formerly Known As Prince was called, sang hit after hit with the Staple Singers, including “Respect Yourself,” “I’ll Take You There” and “Let’s Do It Again.” She has worked with the biggest names in the business — Curtis Mayfield, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin and on and on — to create music in R&B, funk and even hip hop.

Staples’ latest CD, “A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson,” is a homage to the New Orleans/Chicago singer considered the finest gospel soloist ever. There’s no one better to cut that record.

And yes, Duke Robillard will be in Sandpoint, too. Robillard is a musician’s musician, handling the guitar the way a classic blues guitar ought to be handled. His last two albums, “Duke’s Blues,” a chart-topper for quite some time, and his current “Dangerous Place,” have put his 30-year-plus career on the map.

Robillard played 12 years with Roomful of Blues, a group he founded in 1967, and he has recorded and toured with the Legendary Blues Band and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. His talent has always been recognized by top performers, so he has appeared with a long list of bands and legends, including Johnny Adams, Ruth Brown and Bob Dylan.

Moving from sideman to solo career, Robillard has fronted the Pleasure Kings, and continues to lead with his Duke Robillard Band.

CONCERT Mavis Staples joins forces with Duke Robillard for The Festival at Sandpoint The Duke Robillard Band and Mavis Staples will perform at Sandpoint’s Memorial Field at 7:30 p.m. Friday as part of The Festival at Sandpoint. Tickets are $16, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT or the festival at (888) 265-4554.

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